Okaloosa Academy grad: 'I'm willing to work hard'

Ja’Shawn Robinson just celebrated his 19th birthday and already has long-term financial plans in place. He has held two jobs through half of high school to prepare for college costs.

NICK TOMECEK / Daily News

Published: Monday, May 26, 2014 at 11:38 AM.

FORT WALTON BEACH — The last things Ja’Shawn Robinson sees every night when he turns out the light are his cap and gown.

The graduation garb is the most tangible remainder that he will be the first person in his family to graduate from high school.

“I almost,” Ja’Shawn said before dropping a finger down his cheek like a tear. “It was just wow. I can’t believe this is actually me doing it.”

Ja’Shawn was sent to Okaloosa Academy in Fort Walton Beach after getting in some trouble at the very beginning of his freshman year. It wasn’t his last detour - he spent 10-weeks at AMI Kids for truancy - but today he’s back on track and planning for the next step.

“Every staff member here just thinks the world of Ja’Shawn,” said Christol Jarrett, the director of Okaloosa Academy. “We knew Ja’Shawn had in him what it took.”

Ja’Shawn said he started to believe in what everyone else saw the first time they visited an area senior center.

The students arrived with gift baskets and were instantly welcomed, he said.

“It just made me realize I can help people, I don’t always have to be the bad person,” Ja’Shawn said.

He also discovered older adults have a lot to teach him and he’s used their advice to guide him.

Right now, he’s in his second year of working two jobs to save up for his future. He knows his mom worked hard to help him and he wants to return the favor.

His goal is to enroll initially in Tallahassee Community College, and eventually earn his law degree.

“I want to be up there now, you know, but it takes time,” Ja’Shawn said. “I’m willing to work hard.”

Graduation will be held May 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Hollywood Baptist Church.

FORT WALTON BEACH — The last things Ja’Shawn Robinson sees every night when he turns out the light are his cap and gown.

The graduation garb is the most tangible remainder that he will be the first person in his family to graduate from high school.

“I almost,” Ja’Shawn said before dropping a finger down his cheek like a tear. “It was just wow. I can’t believe this is actually me doing it.”

Ja’Shawn was sent to Okaloosa Academy in Fort Walton Beach after getting in some trouble at the very beginning of his freshman year. It wasn’t his last detour - he spent 10-weeks at AMI Kids for truancy - but today he’s back on track and planning for the next step.

“Every staff member here just thinks the world of Ja’Shawn,” said Christol Jarrett, the director of Okaloosa Academy. “We knew Ja’Shawn had in him what it took.”

Ja’Shawn said he started to believe in what everyone else saw the first time they visited an area senior center.

The students arrived with gift baskets and were instantly welcomed, he said.

“It just made me realize I can help people, I don’t always have to be the bad person,” Ja’Shawn said.

He also discovered older adults have a lot to teach him and he’s used their advice to guide him.

Right now, he’s in his second year of working two jobs to save up for his future. He knows his mom worked hard to help him and he wants to return the favor.

His goal is to enroll initially in Tallahassee Community College, and eventually earn his law degree.

“I want to be up there now, you know, but it takes time,” Ja’Shawn said. “I’m willing to work hard.”

Graduation will be held May 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Hollywood Baptist Church.